Pittsburgh Steelers: 6 Unknowns Who Could Be Stars by 2013

The Pittsburgh Steelers' talented, deep roster possesses not only some big name players and superstar talents, but also some relative unknowns who could blossom with time, work and a little bit of luck.

In today's world of scouting reports online and draft coverage in the extreme, it's hard to call anyone on an NFL roster an "unknown" in the traditional sense of the word. But there are players who aren't household names. They certainly aren't the first names to come to mind when a team is mentioned.

Here are six such players currently on the Pittsburgh roster and how and why they could be stars in just a couple of seasons.

Stevenson Sylvester, LB

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Sylvester wears the number of another mid-round linebacker who blossomed into an NFL superstar with Pittsburgh (Joey Porter), and he seems destined to travel down that same path. He's already been mentioned as a likely successor to stalwart inside linebacker James Farrior, whose playing days are nearing a conclusion in a few years at most.

What He Brings to the Table

Sylvester has above average speed and quickness for the position and, like so many other Steelers linebackers, is an excellent tackler. He has blossomed on special teams and has done well in limited action on defense.

Looking Ahead

Sylvester should see increased opportunities on defense in his second season and could work into an unbalanced platoon with Farrior by season's end (with Farrior still getting most of the playing time). He will probably step in for Farrior as soon as the veteran exits the league, so 2013 is a reasonable expectation for Sylvester to be starting.

Crezdon Butler, CB

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Butler was barely on the field as a rookie last season, but he's a highly regarded prospect who should be in the competition for playing time now that he's had a full year to learn the playbook. Butler came out of school as a touted Clemson starter who was part of three top-15 defenses in college.

Butler made it into four games as a rookie and notched only one tackle, but rarely do Steelers rookies make any impact on defense. For a great example of this lineage, look at Troy Polamalu's rookie statistics.

What He Brings to the Table

He's a sure tackler with good speed and hands. He had 11 interceptions in his college career. That is an excellent total in the always-competitive ACC. He fits the model of past starting corners in Pittsburgh: slightly undersized, good coverage skills, decent hands and good speed.

Looking Ahead

Butler will be in the mix in his second season. He will probably spend a lot of time making an impact on special teams, but with the dearth of depth at the corner position, he could challenge for time in the nickel or even as one of the top two corners if he can outplay disappointing Bryant McFadden.

By 2013, Butler should either be one of the starting corners or the primary backup and nickel corner. He's got all of the right skills. He just needs to prove himself to Dick LeBeau and Mike Tomlin.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR

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Sanders is coming off an excellent rookie season in which he went from the fringes of the roster to the No. 3 receiver and one of Ben Roethlisberger's favorite safety valves. He followed the same path as Mike Wallace the year before and figures to get even better as he learns the offense and develops a better rapport with his quarterback.

What He Brings to the Table

Sanders, like Wallace, is fast and quick. He runs good routes and has good hands. Of all the different aspects of his game, he probably needs to work most on catching the ball on deep routes. He dropped some key passes last season when he seemed to lose concentration while running deep. Those drops were rare and typical of rookie receivers, however, so it's very reasonable to think they'll disappear this year.

Looking Ahead

Sanders has a high ceiling. He'll spend at least another year or two as the slot receiver and No. 3 guy, but he could step up to replace Hines Ward once the Pittsburgh legend and recent dancing king calls it quits.

2013 is reasonable, but knowing Ward, that still might be early. The possibility remains that Ward could move to a decreased role to make room for the youngster. Either way, Sanders figures to be a starter here sooner rather than later.

Antonio Brown, WR

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Brown, like rookie teammate Sanders, turned in an impressive rookie season that was only overshadowed by the enormous impact of Emmanuel Sanders. Brown contributed some big catches on offense and also was an effective return man for the Steelers, who've been seeking a player to man the special teams units for years.

He unseated Antwaan Randle El from the return spot and the combination of his play and that of Emmanuel Sanders ended up relegating the veteran multi-threat to the bench by season's end.

What He Brings to the Table

Brown might be faster than Sanders. He's a decent route runner and has excellent hands. He made some of the best highlight reel catches this season and was one of the team's best kept secrets. He needs to work a little on his routes and his return game, but he's definitely on the right path.

Looking Ahead

Brown should eventually develop in the slot receiver and one of the team's big play threats. He has all the tools to be effective in the middle, especially his blinding speed. By 2013, he should combine with Mike Wallace and Sanders to form one of the fastest and best-handed receiving corps in the NFL.

Ziggy Hood, DE

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Hood, like most rookies, had almost no impact in 2009. He spent his season on special teams and learned the playbook of the complex defense run by Dick LeBeau. In 2010, he got his big chance to make a first impression when Aaron Smith went down with a major injury.

Hood played impressively, yet quietly. He looked, in fact, much like Smith. He certainly looked like an NFL-caliber player.

What He Brings to the Table

Hood gets a good jump off the snap and has great hands and technique. Like most Pittsburgh defensive linemen, his primary job isn't to tackle, it's to get holes opened up for the linebackers to rush through and to keep holes closed to opposing runners. Hood did both jobs well last season and even added a few of his own big plays. His work went largely unnoticed outside Pittsburgh, but he certainly proved his worth.

Looking Ahead

This year should be interesting. Smith is healthy and he will likely be in a platoon with Hood. Hood will have the chance to play Smith onto the bench, but it likely won't happen for good until 2012 or 2013. Smith can't afford to be injured again, so Hood figures to get a lot of time on the field to keep Smith fresh and healthy.

Cameron Heyward's presence adds another intriguing subplot to 2012 and beyond, but Hood has the first chance to unseat Smith by playing well this year.

Doug Legursky, OL

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It's hard to call a Super Bowl starter an unknown, but Legursky is probably one of the best kept secrets in the league right now. He's proven to be a versatile weapon for Pittsburgh, playing every position along the offensive line last year and also contributing as a fullback in certain packages. He played well whenever asked to step into the lineup and would've been in competition for a starting job had Maurkice Pouncey not emerged in training camp.

What He Brings to the Table

His versatility makes him quite valuable as a backup, but Legursky has the tools to be a successful starter, particularly as a guard. He has good size for the position and is a strong lineman who can hold his position and occupy rushers. He's got excellent technique and seems to be one of those hidden gems the Steelers so-often pluck.

Looking Ahead

Legursky figures to push Ramon Foster for playing time this season, perhaps even overtaking the impressive guard. After making an excellent start in the Super Bowl, Legursky looks like he has a future as a starting lineman somewhere. Pittsburgh is getting crowded at those positions, but Legursky can certainly distinguish himself and point to a successful 2010 campaign.

By 2013, Legursky will be starting somewhere in the league. Hopefully, it's as a guard for the Steelers.